"Can't answer it?" Elena Lin walked to the sofa and sat down. Seeing Sophia Miles nod regretfully, she raised an eyebrow. "Tell me about it."
"Well..."
Sophia quickly explained the case details. Elena's fingers tapped lightly on her knee, a dark glint flashing in her almond eyes. "Interesting. Who are the two parties involved?"
"You're better off not knowing..."
Elena looked at Sophia, waiting silently.
Sophia sighed in resignation. "Both are major players in the business district. The conflict is escalating, and neither side wants to back down. The one looking to hire you is Julian Ford… and his opponent is…" She hesitated, then finally said it, "Your ex-husband."
Elena's breath hitched for a second.
Sophia clutched her chest dramatically. "This was supposed to be a huge payday, but now? No way we can take it!"
Elena casually played with her phone. "Take the case."
"Huh?"
Elena's gaze sharpened. "Once I take a case, I never handle it lightly."
Sophia stared at her in disbelief. "Elena, let's be real. You're undefeated. If you go up against Michael Bowen for Julian, he could lose billions! Are you really serious about this?"
"I'm not joking."
Sophia was still processing the shock when she hesitantly asked, "But… why are you siding with Julian Ford? You're Mrs. Bowen—"
Elena interrupted, her voice calm but firm. "I'm divorced."
"What?!"
Sophia shot up from the couch so fast that she nearly knocked over her untouched tea. "You… you really got divorced? Elena, you—"
Elena pressed her lips together. "Without him, I can finally live my own life."
Sophia took a deep breath, then suddenly grinned. "Oh my god, FINALLY! You wasted three years on that man, and he never deserved you! You're free now, babe! We should celebrate!"
Elena didn't want to dwell on the past anymore. "Alright, enough about that. Contact Julian and get the paperwork ready."
Sophia's playful expression turned serious. "Wait… are you doing this just to get back at Michael?"
"It's business, Sophia. I just find the case interesting."
Sophia studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but this time—no disguises. You've hidden your identity long enough. Once Julian Ford finds out who you really are, he might rethink hiring you."
"Leave that to me," Elena said confidently.
Seeing her determination, Sophia sighed and grabbed her phone. "Fine, I'll set it up."
After finalizing the details, she turned back to Elena and grabbed her hand. "Okay, let's go eat. I'm starving! And listen, when you're upset, never sit around doing nothing—it'll mess with your head."
Elena's heart softened slightly. "I wasn't upset. I expected this outcome."
Sophia rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. And I'm the Queen of England." She tugged Elena toward the door.
"There's this amazing restaurant nearby. Come on, you'll love it!"
Elena let herself be dragged along.
However, the moment they stepped inside and took their seats, her expression darkened.
Seated just to their left were two very familiar people.